Our English teachers told us to avoid the word “very” because it’s weak and vague. They were right, and many times, we use “very” as a modifier for a word that could easily be replaced with a stronger, more accurate word. This infographic tells you what to use instead.

Using big words doesn’t always make you sound smarter. However, words exist for a reason, and they can be powerful. Using the right words is less about sounding smart and more about being descriptive. Chances are, if you use the word “very” to describe something, there’s a better word out there. For example, instead of saying you’re “very happy,” you might say you’re ecstatic. In the below infographic, ProofreadingServices.com lists 127 other examples.

Of course, context matters, and these words may not quite express what you’re trying to say (or write), depending on the context. Still, they’re useful to have on hand if you have a habit of saying “very,” or you often struggle to find the right word. Check it out at the link below.